Modifying pirfenidone treatment for patients with atypical liver function

ABSTRACT

Methods are provided for administering pirfenidone to a patient that has exhibited abnormal biomarkers of liver function in response to pirfenidone administration. The methods include administering to a patient pirfenidone at doses lower than the full target dosage for a time period, followed by administering to the patient pirfenidone at the full target dosage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/113,107, filed Nov. 10, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates generally to methods for reducing adverse effects associated with the treatment of diseases and disorders. More particularly, the disclosure relates to methods for reducing abnormal liver function associated with 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone (“pirfenidone”) therapy.

2. Brief Description of Related Technology

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,974,281, 4,042,699, and 4,052,509 generally relate to pirfenidone administration. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,310,562, 5,518,729, and 5,716,632, all to Margolin and incorporated by reference herein, relate to pirfenidone administration.

Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by a number of different conditions, including sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, collagen vascular disease, and inhalant exposure. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a distinct entity, characterized by breathing difficulty, radiographic abnormalities, and progressive loss of lung function. It is invariably progressive, and carries a grave prognosis with a median life expectancy of 2-3 years.

Pirfenidone has been administered to IPF patients. In a compassionate-use study, Raghu et al. (“Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with a new antifibrotic agent, pirfenidone: results of a prospective, open-label phase II study.” Am J Respir Crit Care Med 159:1061-1069, 1999) reported administration of pirfenidone. No adverse events in hematology or blood chemistry were noted.

Nagai et al. conducted an uncontrolled, open-label study of pirfenidone in patients (“Open label compassionate use one year-treatment with pirfenidone to patients with chronic pulmonary fibrosis.” Internal Medicine 41:1118-1123, 2002). During treatment, no liver dysfunctions, hematologic abnormalities, or allergic or shock reactions were reported.

Moises et al. “A double-blind, multicenter study comparing pirfenidone and prednisone for moderate-to-severe pulmonary fibrosis.” Chest 124:116S, 2003 reported administration of pirfenidone.

Azuma et al. “Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pirfenidone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.” Am J Respir Crit Care Med 171:1040-1047, 2005) describes administration of pirfenidone to a maximum of 1800 mg/day of pirfenidone, and reports a protocol for stepwise reduction and rechallenge with drug after an adverse event.

Abnormal liver function may manifest as abnormalities in levels of biomarkers of liver function, including alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, bilirubin, and/or alkaline phosphatase, and may be an indicator of drug-induced liver injury. See FDA Draft Guidance for Industry. Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Premarketing Clinical Evaluation, October 2007.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention provides methods for administering a therapeutically effective dose of pirfenidone to a patient that has exhibited abnormal biomarkers of liver function after pirfenidone administration for the treatment of fibrosis, e.g. idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In some embodiments, a patient is identified who exhibits a significantly abnormal level of one, two, three or more biomarkers of liver function, e.g. the level of a grade 2 abnormality, after administration of an original full target dose of pirfenidone, e.g. about 2400 mg/day or 2403 mg/day. In such patients, the dose of pirfenidone is reduced or discontinued until levels of the abnormal biomarkers approach or are within normal range, after which patients are administered increasing doses of pirfenidone, up to the original full target dose. Alternatively, the dose of pirfenidone is not reduced at all, but liver biomarkers continue to be monitored. As used herein, “original full target dose” means the therapeutically effective dose approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or a similar agency in a foreign country, optionally other than Japan. In some embodiments, the original full target dose is about 2400 mg/day or 2403 mg/day pirfenidone, or about 34 mg/kg/day (e.g. 33-35 mg/kg/day), or from 2200 to 2600 mg/day pirfenidone, or from 31 mg/kg/day to 37 mg/kg/day. The total daily dose is administered one, two or three times per day.

Thus, the invention provides methods of administering pirfenidone to a patient at doses of 2400 mg/day or 2403 mg/day after identifying that the patient has a liver function grade 2 abnormality. In some embodiments, the method involves (a) administering a dose lower than 2400 mg/day for a time period, e.g., one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, one month, six weeks, or two months, followed by (b) administering a dose of 2400 mg/day or 2403 mg/day.

In some embodiments of the methods, pirfenidone is administered to a patient exhibiting a liver function grade 2 abnormality as follows: (a) administering about 1600 mg/day or 1602 mg/day pirfenidone for about one week, or until the liver function biomarkers return to grade 0 or grade 1, and (b) administering the original full target dose for at least one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks or a month, two months, or three months, or one year, or two years, or three years, or four years, or five years, or seven years, or ten years. Preferably, the total daily dose is administered three times per day, with food.

In some embodiments of the methods, pirfenidone is administered to a patient exhibiting a liver function grade 2 abnormality as follows: (a) administering about 800 mg/day or 801 mg/day pirfenidone for about one week, or until the liver function biomarkers return to grade 0 or grade 1, (b) administering about 1600 mg/day or 1602 mg/day pirfenidone for about one week, and (c) administering the original full target dose for a time period of at least one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks or a month, two months, or three months, or one year, or two years, or three years, or four years, or five years, or seven years, or ten years. Preferably, the total daily dose is administered three times per day, with food.

In some embodiments of the methods, pirfenidone is administered to a patient exhibiting a liver function grade 2 abnormality as follows: (a) discontinuing pirfenidone for about one week, or until the liver function biomarkers return to grade 0 or grade 1, (b) administering about 800 mg/day or 801 mg/day pirfenidone for about one week, (c) administering about 1600 mg/day or 1602 mg/day pirfenidone for about one week, and (d) administering the original full target dose for a time period of at least one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks or a month, two months, or three months, or one year, or two years, or three years, or four years, or five years, or seven years, or ten years. Preferably, the total daily dose is administered three times per day, with food.

In any of the embodiments described herein, any of the reduced doses of pirfenidone may be administered for a time period of 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, one week, about two weeks, or until the level of at least one biomarker of liver function has returned to within normal limits, or until all biomarkers or liver function has returned to within normal limits.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the patient can have fibrotic lesional tissue. In one embodiment, the patient is suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, autoimmune lung diseases, benign prostate hypertrophy, coronary or myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, cerebral infarction, myocardiac fibrosis, musculoskeletal fibrosis, post-surgical adhesions, liver cirrhosis, renal fibrotic disease, fibrotic vascular disease, scleroderma, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, neurofibromatosis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetic retinopathy, and/or skin lesions. In one embodiment, the patient is suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

In some embodiments, the biomarker of liver function is alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, bilirubin, and/or alkaline phosphatase. Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase has been observed in some patients receiving pirfenidone, without clinical liver impairment, and thus elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase alone is not necessarily a sign of liver impairment. In any of the embodiments described herein, biomarkers of liver function can exclude gamma-glutamyl transferase. In another embodiment, the abnormal level of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, or alkaline phosphatase is greater than about 2.5-fold increased compared to the upper limit of normal (ULN). In a related embodiment, the abnormal level of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, or alkaline phosphatase is greater than about 2.5- to about 5-fold increased compared to the upper limit of normal (ULN), i.e. a “liver function grade 2 abnormality”. In some embodiments, the abnormal level of bilirubin is greater than about 1.5- to about 3-fold increased compared to the upper limit of normal (ULN), i.e., a “liver function grade 2 abnormality”.

In some embodiments the abnormal biomarkers of liver function, e.g. elevated alanine transaminase and/or aspartate transaminase and/or elevated bilirubin, are accompanied by clinical signs of impaired liver function such as jaundice.

Further aspects and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a review of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the examples. While the method is susceptible of embodiments in various forms, the description hereafter includes specific embodiments with the understanding that the disclosure is illustrative, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention provides methods for administering a full therapeutically effective dose of pirfenidone to a patient that has exhibited abnormal levels of biomarkers of liver function after the patient has been treated with pirfenidone. Because liver function abnormalities can be indicative of drug-induced liver injury (hepatotoxicity), it is important to determine whether the abnormalities reflect liver injury or merely indicate limited toxicity that will resolve over time while continuing to take the drug. According to the present invention, even patients that exhibit abnormal liver function may continue taking pirfenidone at the original full target dose, optionally after a short time period of discontinuing pifenidone or taking the pirfenidone at reduced doses. This administration regimen has the advantage of maximizing the time on the full target dose of drug and therefore the potential for a beneficial therapeutic effect.

The patient may be suffering from any disease for which pirfenidone therapy may be useful in ameliorating symptoms. These diseases include, but are not limited to: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inflammatory pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), rheumatoid arthritis; rheumatoid spondylitis; osteoarthritis; gout, other arthritic conditions; sepsis; septic shock; endotoxic shock; gram-negative sepsis; toxic shock syndrome; myofacial pain syndrome (MPS); Shigellosis; asthma; adult respiratory distress syndrome; inflammatory bowel disease; Crohn's disease; psoriasis; eczema; ulcerative colitis; glomerular nephritis; scleroderma; chronic thyroiditis; Grave's disease; Ormond's disease; autoimmune gastritis; myasthenia gravis; autoimmune hemolytic anemia; autoimmune neutropenia; thrombocytopenia; pancreatic fibrosis; chronic active hepatitis including hepatic fibrosis; acute and chronic renal disease; renal fibrosis, irritable bowel syndrome; pyresis; restenosis; cerebral malaria; stroke and ischemic injury; neural trauma; Alzheimer's disease; Huntington's disease; Parkinson's disease; acute and chronic pain; allergies, including allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis; cardiac hypertrophy, chronic heart failure; acute coronary syndrome; cachexia; malaria; leprosy; leishmaniasis; Lyme disease; Reiter's syndrome; acute synoviitis; muscle degeneration, bursitis; tendonitis; tenosynoviitis; herniated, ruptured, or prolapsed intervertebral disk syndrome; osteopetrosis; thrombosis; silicosis; pulmonary sarcosis; bone resorption diseases, such as osteoporosis or multiple myeloma-related bone disorders; cancer, including but not limited to metastatic breast carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, malignant melanoma, gastric cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer; graft-versus-host reaction; and auto-immune diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis, lupus and fibromyalgia; AIDS and other viral diseases such as Herpes Zoster, Herpes Simplex I or II, influenza virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and cytomegalovirus; and diabetes mellitus. In addition, the methods of the embodiments can be used to treat proliferative disorders (including both benign and malignant hyperplasias), including acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic myclogenous leukemia, Kaposi's sarcoma, metastatic melanoma, multiple myeloma, breast cancer, including metastatic breast carcinoma; colorectal. carcinoma; malignant melanoma; gastric cancer; non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); bone metastases, and the like; pain disorders including neuromuscular pain, headache, cancer pain, dental pain, and arthritis pain; angiogenic disorders including solid tumor angiogenesis, ocular neovascularization, and infantile hemangioma; conditions associated with the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase signaling pathways, including conditions associated with prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 (including edema, fever, analgesia, and pain); organ hypoxia; thrombin-induced platelet aggregation; protozoal diseases.

The methods of the invention optionally include identifying abnormal liver function in a patient receiving pirfenidone, and monitoring biomarkers of liver function in a patient receiving a reduced dose of pirfenidone. In any of the methods described herein, AST and ALT may be elevated, e.g. to a grade 2 or grade 3 level. Alternatively, AST and bilirubin may be elevated, or AST or ALP may be elevated, or AST and GGT may be elevated, or ALT and bilirubin may be elevated, or ALT and ALP may be elevated, or ALT and GGT may be elevated, or bilirubin and ALP may be elevated, or bilirubin and GGT may be elevated, e.g. to a grade 2 or grade 3 level. Alternatively, three biomarkers of liver function may be elevated, e.g., ALT and AST and bilirubin, or ALT and AST and ALP, to a grade 2 or grade 3 level. In any of the embodiments described herein, biomarkers of liver function can exclude gamma-glutamyl transferase.

In some embodiments of the methods, pirfenidone is administered to a patient exhibiting a liver function grade 2 abnormality as follows: (a) administering at least about 1600 mg/day or 1602 mg/day pirfenidone, or about 23 mg/kg/day (e.g. 22-24 mg/kg/day), or from 1400-1800 mg/day pirfenidone, or from 20 mg/kg/day to 26 mg/kg/day, for a time period, and (b) administering the original full target dose. In some embodiments, the time period of step (a) is 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, about one week, about two weeks, about three weeks, about four weeks, about 1 month, or until the level of at least one biomarker of liver function has returned to within normal limits, or until all biomarkers or liver function has returned to within normal limits. In some embodiments, step (b) is carried out for a time period of at least one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks or a month, two months, or three months, or one year, or two years, or three years, or four years, or five years, or seven years, or ten years, or more. Optionally the method includes measuring one or more biomarkers of liver function during step (a) and/or step (b).

In some embodiments of the methods, pirfenidone is administered to a patient exhibiting a liver function grade 2 abnormality as follows: (a) administering at least about 800 mg/day or 801 mg/day pirfenidone, or about 11 mg/kg/day (e.g. 10-12 mg/kg/day), or from 600-1000 mg/day, or from 700-900 mg/day, or from 8 mg/kg/day to 15 mg/kg/day, for a time period, (b) administering at least about 1600 mg/day or 1602 mg/day pirfenidone, or about 23 mg/kg/day (e.g. 22-24 mg/kg/day), or from 1400-1800 mg/day pirfenidone, or from 20 mg/kg/day to 26 mg/kg/day, for a time period, and (c) administering the original full target dose. In some embodiments, the time period of step (a) is 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, about one week, about two weeks, about three weeks, about four weeks, about 1 month, or until the level of at least one biomarker of liver function has returned to within normal limits, or to grade 1, or until all biomarkers or liver function has returned to within normal limits, or to grade 1. In some embodiments, the time period of step (b) is 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, about one week, about two weeks, about three weeks, about four weeks, about 1 month, or until the level of at least one biomarker of liver function has returned to within normal limits, or to grade 1, or until all biomarkers or liver function has returned to within normal limits, or to grade 1. In some embodiments, step (c) is carried out for a time period of at least one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks or a month, two months, or three months, or one year, or two years, or three years, or four years, or five years, or seven years, or ten years, or more. Optionally the method includes measuring one or more biomarkers of liver function during step (a) and/or step (b) and/or step (c).

In some embodiments of the methods, pirfenidone is administered to a patient exhibiting a liver function grade 2 abnormality as follows: (a) discontinuing pirfenidone for a time period, (b) administering at least about 800 mg/day or 801 mg/day pirfenidone, or about 11 mg/kg/day (e.g. 10-12 mg/kg/day), or from 600-1000 mg/day, or from 700-900 mg/day, or from 8 mg/kg/day to 15 mg/kg/day, for a time period, (c) administering at least about 1600 mg/day or 1602 mg/day pirfenidone, or about 23 mg/kg/day (e.g. 22-24 mg/kg/day), or from 1400-1800 mg/day pirfenidone, or from 20 mg/kg/day to 26 mg/kg/day, for a time period, and (d) administering the original full target dose. In some embodiments, the time period of step (a) is 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, about one week, about two weeks, about three weeks, about four weeks, about 1 month, or until the level of at least one biomarker of liver function has returned to within normal limits, or to grade 1, or until all biomarkers or liver function has returned to within normal limits, or to grade 1. In some embodiments, the time period of step (b) is 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, about one week, about two weeks, about three weeks, about four weeks, about 1 month, or until the level of at least one biomarker of liver function has returned to within normal limits, or to grade 1, or until all biomarkers or liver function has returned to within normal limits, or to grade 1. In some embodiments, the time period of step (c) is 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, about one week, about two weeks, about three weeks, about four weeks, about 1 month, or until the level of at least one biomarker of liver function has returned to within normal limits, or to grade 1, or until all biomarkers or liver function has returned to within normal limits, or to grade 1. In some embodiments, step (d) is carried out for a time period of at least one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks or a month, two months, or three months, or one year, or two years, or three years, or four years, or five years, or seven years, or ten years, or more. Optionally the method includes measuring one or more biomarkers of liver function during step (a) and/or step (b) and/or step (c) and/or step (d).

Pirfenidone can be provided in tablet or capsule forms or any other oral dosage form, and typically is formulated for oral administration. Exemplary capsule formulations are described in WO 2007/038315 (Int'l Appl. No. PCT/US2006/037057).

Pirfenidone therapy can be associated with adverse effects including photosensitivity rash, anorexia (decreased appetite), stomach discomfort, nausea, heartburn, drowsiness (somnolence), fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, fever, positive urinary occult blood, elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP), decreased weight, headache, constipation, and malaise. Abnormal liver function also can occur as an adverse effect (AE) in patients receiving pirfenidone. Prior to receiving pirfenidone, the baseline liver function of the patient can be, and typically is, normal. Liver function can be assessed by various means known in the art, such as blood chemistry tests measuring biomarkers of liver function. Examples of biomarkers of liver function include, but are not limited to, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).

Alanine transaminase (ALT), also called serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) or alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from alanine to α-ketoglutarate to produce pyruvate and glutamate. When the liver is damaged, levels of ALT in the blood can rise due to the leaking of ALT into the blood from damaged or necrosed hepatocytes.

Aspartate transaminase (AST) also called serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT or GOT) or aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from aspartate to α-ketoglutarate to produce oxaloacetate and glutamate. AST can increase in response to liver damage. Elevated AST also can result from damage to other sources, including red blood cells, cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, kidney tissue, and brain tissue. The ratio of AST to ALT can be used as a biomarker of liver damage.

Bilirubin is a catabolite of heme that is cleared from the body by the liver. Conjugation of bilirubin to glucuronic acid by hepatocytes produces direct bilirubin, a water-soluble product that is readily cleared from the body. Indirect bilirubin is unconjugated, and the sum of direct and indirect bilirubin constitutes total bilirubin. Elevated total bilirubin can be indicative of liver impairment.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) hydrolyzes phosphate groups from various molecules and is present in the cells lining the biliary ducts of the liver. ALP levels in plasma can rise in response to liver damage, and are higher in growing children and elderly patients with Paget's disease. However, elevated ALP levels usually reflect biliary tree disease.

Adverse effect grades for abnormal liver function are defined herein by the modified Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) provided in Table 1. See the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0 (CTCAE) published Aug. 9, 2006 by the National Cancer Institute, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TABLE 1 Modified Common Toxicity Criteria Grade Toxicity 0 1 2 3 4 ALT WNL >ULN-2.5 × ULN >2.5-5 × ULN >5-20 × ULN >20 × ULN AST WNL >ULN-2.5 × ULN >2.5-5 × ULN >5-20 × ULN >20 × ULN Bilirubin WNL >ULN-1.5 × ULN >1.5-3 × ULN >3-10 × ULN >10 × ULN ALP WNL >ULN-2.5 × ULN >2.5-5 × ULN >5-20 × ULN >20 × ULN GGT WNL >ULN-2.5 × ULN >2.5-5 × ULN >5-20 × ULN >20 × ULN (WNL = within normal limits; ULN = upper limit of normal)

The ULN for various indicators of liver function depends on the assay used, the patient population, and each laboratory's normal range of values for the specified biomarker, but can readily be determined by the skilled practitioner. Exemplary values for normal ranges for a healthy adult population are set forth in Table 2 below. See Cecil Textbook of Medicine, pp. 2317-2341, W.B. Saunders & Co. (1985).

TABLE 2 ALT 8-20 U/L AST 8-20 U/L Bilirubin 0.2-1.0 mg/dL 3.4-17.1 μmol/L ALP 20-70 U/L GGT Men: 9-50 U/L Women: 8-40 U/L

Grade 0 levels are characterized by biomarker levels within normal limits (WNL). “Normal” liver function, as used herein, refers to Grade 0 adverse effects. “Abnormal” liver function, as used herein, refers to Grade 1 and above adverse effects.

“Grade 1 liver function abnormalities” include elevations in ALT, AST, ALP, or GGT greater than the ULN and less than or equal to 2.5-times the ULN. Grade 1 liver function abnormalities also include elevations of bilirubin levels greater than the ULN and less than or equal to 1.5-times the ULN.

“Grade 2 liver function abnormalities” include elevations in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), or gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) greater than 2.5-times and less than or equal to 5-times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Grade 2 liver function abnormalities also include elevations of bilirubin levels greater than 1.5-times and less than or equal to 3-times the ULN.

“Grade 3 liver function abnormalities” include elevations in ALT, AST, ALP, or GGT greater than 5-times and less than or equal to 20-times the ULN. Grade 3 liver function abnormalities also include elevations of bilirubin levels greater than 3-times and less than or equal to 10-times the ULN.

“Grade 4 liver function abnormalities” include elevations in ALT, AST, ALP, or GGT greater than 20-times the ULN. Grade 4 liver function abnormalities also include elevations of bilirubin levels greater than 10 the ULN.

The present disclosure provides methods for treating a patient having idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and receiving a full target dose of pirfenidone, wherein the full target dose is 2400 or 2403 mg pirfenidone per day. In accordance with the methods, a patient with abnormal liver function is administered a second dose of pirfenidone, wherein the second dose is 1600 or 1602 mg pirfenidone per day until liver function is within normal limits, followed by administering the patient the full target dose of 2400 or 2403 mg pirfenidone per day.

The methods disclosed herein are contemplated to include embodiments including any combination of one or more of the additional optional elements, features, and steps further described herein (including those described in the examples), unless stated otherwise.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Example 1 Pirfenidone Dosing Regimen

Patients begin pirfenidone treatment by receiving escalating doses of pirfenidone over a period of 15 days until the full maintenance dose is reached. Specifically, from days 1 to 7, patients are administered one capsule of 267 mg pirfenidone three times per day. During days 8 to 14, patients receive two capsules of 267 mg pirfenidone three times per day. From day 15 onward, patients are treated with three capsules of 267 mg pirfenidone three times per day. Pirfenidone is administered orally, and each dose should be taken with food. If the patient is unable to eat, then the pirfenidone dose should be taken with milk or juice (excluding grapefruit juice).

Pirfenidone is known to cause photosensitivity reactions; therefore, throughout the treatment period, patients should use sun block that protects against at least UV-A with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 50. In addition, patients should wear appropriate clothing to minimize sun exposure, and if possible, avoid other medications known to cause photosensitivity reactions.

Once the full maintenance dose is reached, pirfenidone is administered orally to patients three times per day to provide a daily dose of 2403 mg pirfenidone. Each of the three doses of 801 mg pirfenidone includes three capsules of 267 mg pirfenidone each. The contents of the pirfenidone 267 mg capsules are pirfenidone (82.15%); croscarmellose sodium (8.15%); microcrystalline cellulose (7.39%); povidine, USP, EP (1.85%); and magnesium stearate (0.46%).

Patients are treated with pirfenidone for up to 72 weeks. Some patients are treated longer than 72 weeks. At weeks 2, 4, 6, 12, and every 12 weeks (±2 weeks) thereafter during the treatment period, with the exception of week 72 and the treatment completion visit, patients are examined and histories are collected as detailed in the steps below.

1. Patient history is collected to include review of adverse effects (AEs) and severe adverse effects (SAEs), use of concomitant medications, use of oxygen, hospitalizations, IPF exacerbations or acute respiratory decompensation, and dosing.

2. Patients receive a physical examination, and vital signs and weight are measured.

3. Pulmonary function is assessed by spirometry before and after administration of bronchodilators. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) are measured.

4. Clinical laboratory tests are performed, including hematology, serum chemistries, pregnancy tests for women of childbearing capacity, and urinalysis with microscopic examination.

5. Questionnaires are administered, including the University of California at San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (UCSD SOBQ), St. George's Hospital Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO QOL) questionnaire. After week 72, only the UCSD SOBQ and SGRQ are obtained at the scheduled 12 week visits.

Additionally, every 24 weeks starting with Week 12 (for example, weeks 12, 36, and 60), electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements are obtained. ECG data is obtained before administering bronchodilators for the pulmonary function test (PFT) measurements. At the week 36 visit, pharmacokinetic (PK) data is obtained for selected patients.

If a patient experiences a Grade 1 or greater elevation in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), or bilirubin at baseline or after the start of pirfenidone dosing up to and including week 6, an additional safety chemistry blood test must be obtained between weeks 8 and 10.

Example 2 Modification of Pirfenidone Dosing Regimen in Response to Grade 2 Liver Function Test (LFT) Elevations

Patients are treated with pirfenidone in accordance with Example 1. During the course of pirfenidone treatment, patients exhibiting abnormal liver function test results are candidates for dose modification. As described in Example 1, serum chemistry tests are performed at scheduled intervals during the treatment period to monitor various parameters, including biomarkers of liver function such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).

If a patient experiences a Grade 2 increase in any one of AST, ALT or bilirubin, the pirfenidone dose is reduced to one capsule of 267 mg pirfenidone three times per day. While receiving the reduced pirfenidone dose, the patient undergoes additional monitoring of AST, ALT and bilirubin. The reduced pirfenidone dose is continued at least until AST, ALT and bilirubin are all Grade 1 or within normal limits (Grade 0). The reduced pirfenidone dose can be administered for a period of time after AST, ALT and bilirubin have reached Grade 1 or Grade 0.

At any time after AST, ALT and bilirubin have resolved to Grade 0 or Grade 1, the pirfenidone dose can be re-escalated in a manner consistent with the initial dose escalation, up to a dose of 6 capsules per day. After AST, ALT and bilirubin have resolved to Grade 0 or Grade 1, the pirfenidone dose also can be re-escalated in a manner consistent with the initial dose escalation, up to the maximum of 9 capsules per day.

Serum chemistry tests are optionally performed at scheduled intervals during the escalation period, e.g. weekly or every 2 weeks, or every 3 weeks, or every month to monitor various parameters, including biomarkers of liver function such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).

Example 3 Temporary Discontinuation of Pirfenidone Dosing in Response to Grade 2 Liver Function Test (LFT) Elevations

Patients are treated with pirfenidone in accordance with Example 1. During the course of pirfenidone treatment, patients exhibiting abnormal liver function test results are candidates for dose modification. As described in Example 1, serum chemistry tests are performed at scheduled intervals during the treatment period to monitor various parameters, including biomarkers of liver function such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).

If a patient experiences a Grade 2 increase in any one of AST, ALT or bilirubin, the pirfenidone dose is discontinued. Following discontinuation of the pirfenidone dose, the patient undergoes additional monitoring of AST, ALT and bilirubin. Pirfenidone dosing is discontinued at least until AST, ALT and bilirubin are all Grade 1 or within normal limits (Grade 0). The pirfenidone dose can be discontinued for a period of time after AST, ALT and bilirubin have reached Grade 1 or Grade 0.

After AST, ALT and bilirubin have resolved to Grade 0 or Grade 1, if the patient has been off drug for 14 days or more, the pirfenidone dose is re-escalated in a manner consistent with the initial dose escalation, up to a dose of 6 or 9 capsules per day, i.e. 1602 mg/day or 2403 mg/day. Alternatively, after AST, ALT and bilirubin have resolved to Grade 0 or Grade 1, the pirfenidone dose is re-instituted at a dose of 6 capsules per day, i.e. 1602 mg/day, and re-escalated after 1 week to the maximum of 9 capsules per day.

Serum chemistry tests are optionally performed at scheduled intervals during the escalation period, e.g. weekly, or every 2 weeks, or every month, to monitor various parameters, including biomarkers of liver function such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).

Example 4 Modification of Pirfenidone Dosing Regimen to 2 Capsules Three Times Per Day in Response to Grade 2 Liver Function Test (LFT) Elevations

Patients are treated with pirfenidone in accordance with Example 1. During the course of pirfenidone treatment, patients exhibiting abnormal liver function test results are candidates for dose modification. As described in Example 1, serum chemistry tests are performed at scheduled intervals during the treatment period to monitor various parameters, including biomarkers of liver function such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).

If a patient experiences a Grade 2 increase in any one of AST, ALT or bilirubin, the pirfenidone dose is reduced to two capsules of 267 mg pirfenidone three times per day, i.e. 1602 mg/day. While receiving the reduced pirfenidone dose, the patient undergoes additional monitoring of AST, ALT and bilirubin. The reduced pirfenidone dose is continued at least until AST, ALT and bilirubin are all Grade 1 or within normal limits (Grade 0). The reduced pirfenidone dose can be administered for a period of time after AST, ALT and bilirubin have reached Grade 1 or Grade 0.

After 1 week of treatment at 1602 mg/day, if AST, ALT and bilirubin have resolved to Grade 0 or Grade 1, the pirfenidone dose can be re-escalated to the maximum of 9 capsules per day, i.e. 2403 mg.

The foregoing description is given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications within the scope of the invention may be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art. Although methods have been described with reference to particular embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that other ways of performing the acts associated with the methods may be used.

All patents, publications and references cited herein are hereby fully incorporated by reference. In case of conflict between the present disclosure and incorporated patents, publications and references, the present disclosure should control. 

1. A method of administering pirfenidone to treat a patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), said patient having exhibited a grade 2 abnormality in one or more biomarkers of liver function after pirfenidone administration, comprising (a) administering to said patient pirfenidone at doses lower than 2400 mg/day for a time period, followed by (b) administering to said patient pirfenidone at doses of 2400 mg/day or 2403 mg/day.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein prior to step (a) pirfenidone is discontinued until biomarkers of liver function are within normal limits.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises administering about 1600 mg/day or 1602 mg/day pirfenidone for about one week, or until biomarkers of liver function are within normal limits.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises administering about 800 mg/day or 801 mg/day pirfenidone for about one week, or until biomarkers of liver function are within normal limits, followed by administering about 1600 mg/day or 1602 mg/day pirfenidone for about one week.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises discontinuing pirfenidone for about one week, or until biomarkers of liver function are within normal limits, followed by administering about 800 mg/day or 801 mg/day pirfenidone for about one week, followed by administering about 1600 mg/day or 1602 mg/day pirfenidone for about one week.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the pirfenidone is administered three times per day with food.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said one or more biomarkers of liver function is selected from the group consisting of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of measuring one or more biomarkers of liver function during step (a).
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said one or more biomarkers of liver function comprise alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. 